AusBonsai

Yeah the other workshop is what I meant. Was going to go this weekend, got a phone call and everything but a little cash strapped at the moment. Going to the second one. Just gotta pick a tree for it which could be a problem.

The foliar they seem to respond to the most is 'Phostrogen', I think Pup will attest to this as well. Don't let the name fool you, it's phosphorus level is acceptable. Other than that I've used things like 'Charlie Carp' to good effect.

I don't think it's as necessary to watch the nitrogen with Mels because they don't appear to throw out massive internodes regardless (I could be generally wrong, but none of mine did), but they do throw out some big leaves, which of course isn't a problem really if you're just feeding for size.

Can't wait to see how she turns out.

Yeah it should be good, might put my name down for the following one as well.

Will look into phostrogen, sounds good. Can it be used on other natives? Like banksia?

This is where it is at after today's session with Craig.



I have taken better photos but he laptop has shat itself.

lookn good jezz!

i never break the branches on my natives. cutm like every other tree. they bud back no prob like any other tree. another native myth.

Thanks, the apex should be wider on the main tree. Think I must have bumped it with my head!

Yeah you can use Phostrogen with Banksia even, although I usually don't, I use CCarp.

Looking good Jezz! Looking like a real mel, as apposed to a japanese looking bonsai that just happens to be a melaleuca... if you know what I mean...

Quick update. Next step wire movement into main trunk.
What do you think about the progress?

looking solid mate

Looking good Jarrod, you just need to do heaps of feeding and pinching.
Craigw

hi mate

I have been coming back to this one a few times last night and this morning, I know that this is a bigger tree and what your going for but.. would you consider going back hard on the main trunks and regrowing sime of the main trunks that will give it a bit more movement? It will still work with that height but that main trunk in the middle is quite straight and the others have somewhat of a kink or two, if you did go back by half or so on all of them it would help grow in some taper aswell.

just throwing some ideas out there

I have thought about cutting it back hard, but have been hesitant, as I like the composition as it stands. As you have said, the main trunk is too straight, and I will attempt to rectify that this weekend with heavy wire and bike tube! So it will be interesting to see what movement I can get

Jarrod wrote:I have thought about cutting it back hard, but have been hesitant, as I like the composition as it stands. As you have said, the main trunk is too straight, and I will attempt to rectify that this weekend with heavy wire and bike tube! So it will be interesting to see what movement I can get

thats the go with it mate if it doesnt come out like you want after the heavy work, snap it of and regrow

Jarrod, a little searching popped this thread up for me, i really like what you have done so far, how's the progress going. Did you end up attempting to bend the main trunk at all?

This tree died during a "make or break" repot. was a sad day!

Bugger.. I was looking forward to the progress and learning off this thread for my Styphelioides. Oh well..Forge on regardless.